Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) and their purpose in the Indian parliamentary system.
- State the importance of evaluating their role in maintaining parliamentary control over the administration.
2. Functions of DRPSCs
- Scrutinizing Demands for Grants:
- Explain how DRPSCs examine budget proposals and expenditures of ministries.
- Reviewing Legislation:
- Discuss their role in assessing proposed legislation and suggesting amendments.
- Investigating Policy Matters:
- Describe how DRPSCs delve into specific issues referred by Parliament.
- Ensuring Accountability:
- Highlight the importance of holding the executive accountable for its actions.
3. Effectiveness of DRPSCs in Keeping Administration Accountable
- Financial Accountability:
- Discuss how scrutinizing demands for grants ensures effective use of public funds.
- Refining Legislation:
- Explain how their legislative reviews help avoid hasty decisions.
- Policy Investigations:
- Provide examples of their investigations into critical national issues.
- Examples:
- Mention the 31st report of the Standing Committee on Information Technology (2018-19) focusing on data security.
- Cite the Standing Committee on Finance’s report on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016) and its impact on legislation.
4. Challenges and Limitations
- Limited Resources:
- Discuss constraints on time and resources that affect their effectiveness.
- Lack of Expertise:
- Mention how a lack of specialized knowledge among members can impact recommendations.
- Partisan Politics:
- Explain how political affiliations may influence deliberations.
- Non-binding Recommendations:
- State that recommendations are not mandatory for the government.
5. Conclusion
- Summarize the contributions of DRPSCs to parliamentary control and administration accountability.
- Reflect on the need to address challenges to enhance their effectiveness.
Using this roadmap, you can structure a comprehensive answer that effectively evaluates the role of DRPSCs in maintaining accountability and reverence for parliamentary control, supported by relevant facts.
Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committees: Effectiveness and Impact
Introduction Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are crucial for ensuring parliamentary oversight and accountability in India. They play a pivotal role in scrutinizing the functioning of various government departments and agencies, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering respect for parliamentary control.
Role in Keeping Administration on Its Toes
Inspiring Reverence for Parliamentary Control
Conclusion Overall, DRPSCs significantly contribute to enhancing administrative accountability and ensuring that government departments adhere to parliamentary standards. Their detailed scrutiny and recommendations not only keep the administration vigilant but also uphold the sanctity of parliamentary control. Recent examples underscore their effectiveness in driving administrative reforms and maintaining transparency, thereby affirming their critical role in the Indian parliamentary system.
Model Answer
Introduction
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are vital instruments for maintaining parliamentary control over the executive in India. They play a significant role in ensuring accountability and checks and balances by examining government policies, legislation, and administration.
Functions of DRPSCs
Effectiveness of DRPSCs
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their effectiveness, DRPSCs face several challenges:
Conclusion
To enhance the effectiveness of DRPSCs and inspire greater reverence for parliamentary control, it is essential to address these challenges. Strengthening their operational framework will lead to a more robust system of oversight, ultimately reinforcing the integrity of parliamentary democracy in India.